Merino Wool Properties: Is Merino Wool Worth It?

03 October 2024

 

Once you’ve discovered the benefits of merino wool, you’re unlikely to want to go back to synthetic fabrics. As well as being soft against your skin, breathable and versatile, merino wool is sustainable and offers exceptional temperature regulation. But what is special about merino wool vs other wool, and is it worth it?


In this article, we’ll look at what makes merino wool unique, why it might seem more expensive than some other fabrics, and consider why the incredible natural merino wool properties make it such a popular choice for high performance clothing and apparel.

Merino wool properties

Merino wool fabric stands out from many other materials by being naturally breathable, lightweight and offering outstanding moisture management - meaning it absorbs sweat and releases it into the air - which is great for keeping you cool and dry whilst you exercise. Merino wool also provides effective thermoregulation, which can adapt to your body, to help keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It’s naturally odour resistant, resilient, versatile and comfortable, providing next-to-skin softness without the scratchy feeling traditional wool can have. It also stays warm when wet, making it perfect for changing weather conditions, and most items are machine washable for easy care. By shunning synthetics and opting for high performance clothing made from natural merino wool, you’re also helping to support more sustainable fashion which is built to last.


close up of feet walking

Is merino wool good for socks?

A common question from first-time merino wool shoppers is: ‘is merino wool good for socks’? The short answer is yes, but it’s also great for other clothing too! When it comes specifically to socks though, merino wool is second-to-none. As well as being comfortable, soft and resilient, its moisture managing and temperature regulating properties help to keep your feet cosy and dry. Its breathability and natural odour resistance also make merino the perfect material for socks, whether it be for everyday wear to high performance running, hiking and snowsports apparel.

What is special about merino wool?

Are you wondering what is special about merino wool? Merino has an extremely fine fibre diameter, which offers exceptional softness against the skin, making it ideal for base layers and even underwear. The natural crimp of the smooth fibres also helps to enhance its natural elasticity and shape retention, making it versatile, resilient and easy to care for - ideal for activewear.


Unlike many types of synthetic fabrics, merino wool stays warm when it’s wet, and continues to help support your body’s temperature regulation even during damp weather, which is why it’s the material of choice for travel as well as all sorts of outdoor activities, from summer hikes , to layering for winter skiing .


Additional icebreaker merino wool benefits include being a natural fleece material which can be traced to its source, and produced by growers who uphold our strict animal welfare standards. icebreaker also uses 96.14% plastic-free fibres in its products, to help reduce our impact on the environment.

Pros and cons of merino wool

Many people find that the benefits of merino wool far outweigh any potential cons, thanks to the versatility of the fabric which adapts to support their body’s own heating and cooling system for all-weather, all-season comfort.


The pros of merino wool clothing include its comfort, performance as well as its sustainability credentials, being a biodegradable fibre from a renewable source, which aims to reduce petrochemical and plastic use to support our precious natural environment. Merino fibres also bring unique benefits to premium outdoor apparel, such as ZoneKnit™ for runners and hikers. This innovation offers the freedom to exercise, without overheating, thanks to breathable, lightweight and goal-focused activewear. Merino is also primed for performance in the winter weather, and it’s ideal for creating a layering system to achieve temperature regulation during snow sports.


Potential drawbacks of merino wool may be that this high quality, eco conscious fibre comes with a higher price tag than some other fabrics, and it may be more difficult to source in certain regions. Merino wool also has specific care requirements to keep it performing at its best, but by following the care label for each garment when washing merino merino wool you can reduce the possibility of damage or shrinkage.

Conclusion

There’s little doubt that merino wool is a great option for year-round clothing which works as hard as you do. By making it merino, not only will you enjoy the softness, resilience and versatile benefits of this amazing natural fibre, but you’ll help support the move to more sustainable clothing at the same time. It may seem a little more expensive, but merino clothing is designed for longevity, serving you through the seasons year-on-year.


So, is merino wool good for socks, running tops, activewear, hiking and snow sports, and is it worth the price? We certainly think so. By keeping you cool and dry in the summer, and warm in the winter, this natural wonder fabric adapts to your body to help you achieve peak performance in any weather. But don’t just take our word for it - start your merino wool collection today and find your perfect merino wool t-shirt to discover the full benefits of this outstanding material.

Is Merino Wool Worth It - FAQs

What is a disadvantage of using merino wool?

Merino wool can be more expensive than some synthetic fibres, and should be specially cared for to maintain performance. The unique merino wool properties of the fine natural fibres can make it more sensitive to heat and other chemicals. It’s important to follow the care label for each garment, use a gentle detergent, and air dry your merino wool items after washing.

Is merino wool a good investment?

What is special about merino wool is that it’s breathable, resilient and adapts to your body to help manage moisture, whilst keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer. It’s also naturally odour resistant, meaning you may not have to wash it as frequently as synthetics. If you’re looking for a natural, versatile and high-performance fabric, merino wool can be a game-changer.

Is merino wool a luxury?

Merino wool is considered a luxury item, but it can be less expensive than cashmere or some other specialty fabrics. Soft merino wool comes from a special breed of sheep native to New Zealand, called the merino, and its quality, versatility, sustainable nature plus next-to-skin comfort accounts for a higher price tag than some synthetic materials.

How to tell if merino wool is real?

The lightweight, smooth texture of merino wool usually stands out against other wool types, and it shouldn’t usually have loose fibres or pilling when cared for correctly. It’s important to choose a trusted brand to buy merino wool from, to guarantee its authenticity, as well as to offer full peace of mind that your fabric is produced by dedicated growers who are committed to high standards of animal welfare - such as icebreaker.

 

 

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